MSC status match: How status with another cruise line got me perks with MSC
If cruise discounts, priority embarkation, welcome parties and free gifts sound enticing, pay attention. There’s only one cruise line in the entire industry that will match your status with other travel brands (and not just cruise lines), allowing you to access a variety of perks.
MSC Cruises‘ status match can take you from no status (if you’ve never sailed with the line before) to the highest level in a snap if you’ve reached the upper echelons of other loyalty programs. In my case, I went from the lowest tier to the second-highest just by asking MSC to match my status with another cruise line. That earned me some nice added benefits, including a free one-hour pass to the thermal suite any time I sail with the line.
Want to learn how to elevate your status and snag valuable extras on your next MSC cruise? Here, I’ll answer your questions about why you should match your status and what you’ll be entitled to if you do.
Which programs will MSC consider for matching?
For a status match, MSC Cruises will look at loyalty status from more than 70 brands, including its big competitors (Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line), as well as hotel chains like Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott, and other brands like Expedia, Air China and even Cirque du Soleil.
Note that MSC does not currently match status for any of the major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
How do I apply for an MSC status match?
It’s simple. Fill out the information on MSC Cruises’ status match page, and the cruise line will let you know if you’ve been approved.
When I went through the process, I submitted my status as a Diamond-level member with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor program — the highest status I have. Within a week, I heard back from MSC, telling me that I had earned Voyagers Club Gold status.
However, for one of my coworkers, it wasn’t so easy. He submitted the form citing his Hyatt Globalist status under the World of Hyatt program, but he didn’t hear back for a few weeks. Even then, he only received an answer after contacting the line to ask whether a decision had been made. Eventually, he was awarded Diamond status — the highest in MSC’s program.
Which status level will I get?
If you hold elite status with multiple brands, you’ll want to request a match with whichever status will translate to the highest level with MSC Cruises’ program. For example, I’m Gold with Hilton Honors and Gold Elite with Marriott Bonvoy, thanks to The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required), but neither would have translated as highly as my Royal Caribbean Diamond status.
Determining how a particular status at another brand correlates with MSC’s program is not always straightforward, as each line calculates points toward loyalty status differently. MSC tends to value some statuses as lower than the same level within its own program.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s Diamond status is only equal to MSC’s Gold. However, that is likely because Royal Caribbean has six tiers while MSC only has four. I found this chart useful in determining which program’s match would get me the highest status with MSC.
What are some of the perks?
There are four tiers in the MSC Voyagers Club program: Classic, Silver, Gold and Diamond.
Even at the lowest level, which is achieved after just one voyage, passengers receive discounts on cruises and purchases in the onboard shops, a dedicated e-newsletter, invitations to onboard “welcome back” cocktail parties and more. When you reach higher tiers, you’ll be rewarded with extras like thermal spa passes and priority tendering, embarkation and disembarkation.
For more details, check out The Points Guy’s full article on the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program.
What’s the catch?
Overall, MSC’s status match is a great offering, but there are some caveats to remember. Although you can earn status easily, especially with the match, the line’s loyalty program is one of the weakest in the industry. (When you reach the top, don’t expect a free cruise like some other lines offer.)
Additionally, most cruise lines’ loyalty programs award status for life. That means you don’t have to requalify each year, as you do with hotel and airline programs. However, MSC’s Voyagers Club status goes up in smoke if you fail to take at least one cruise every 36 months. If that happens, your account will be closed, and you’ll have to start from the bottom.
You can also only request one match per person. That means if MSC Cruises awards you a match and you achieve higher status with another program in the future, you won’t be able to submit additional requests to have MSC reevaluate your status level. It also means that if you don’t take a cruise within three years and your loyalty status expires, you can’t request another match, even after you create a new account.
Are status matches common in cruising?
Status matches aren’t common in the cruise world. In fact, only one other line — Virgin Voyages — will match other travel statuses. Only three cruise lines — Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises — offer reciprocal status with one another, and that’s only because they’re sister brands.
Otherwise, you have to earn status in each loyalty program individually. (But, gamblers, take note: Some cruise lines do allow you to earn free sailings and other perks with your land-based casino loyalty status.)
Bottom line
If you thought it would never be possible to earn status with a cruise line, it’s a great idea to leverage your other status achievements to get yourself there more quickly with MSC Cruises.
Or, if you’re a traveler who has never tried cruising, a status match is a great way to ensure you have access to a few extra perks that will help enhance your first sailing.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.